Dodgers Land Speedster Esteury Ruiz in Trade with A's
Big news for Dodgers fans! The team has just made a move that could add some serious speed to their lineup. The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired outfielder Esteury Ruiz from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league right-hander Carlos Duran. Ruiz, who set an American League rookie record with 67 stolen bases in 2023, will be reporting to Triple-A Oklahoma City for now.
This trade comes as the Dodgers are looking to add more depth and versatility to their roster. Ruiz, 26, is known for his game-changing speed, ranking in the 97th percentile among Major League players in 2023. While he’s not necessarily a powerhouse at the plate, his ability to steal bases and create chaos for opposing pitchers makes him a valuable asset.
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Last season, Ruiz played in just 29 Major League games with the A’s, as the team had an excess of outfielders. He also dealt with wrist and knee injuries that limited his playing time. However, in his full 2023 season, he hit .254 with five home runs, 47 RBIs, and 47 runs scored. His defensive skills are a bit of a mixed bag—he has excellent range in center field thanks to his speed, but his -20 defensive runs saved in 2023 was the worst among qualified Major League outfielders.
For the Dodgers, this move could provide another option in the outfield, especially with Andy Pages struggling at the plate early in the season. Pages has started as the team’s primary center fielder but is off to a slow start, hitting just .136 with nine strikeouts in 22 at-bats. While Ruiz may not immediately take over the position, he presents an intriguing alternative with his speed and base-running abilities.
On the other side of the deal, the A’s pick up Carlos Duran, a 23-year-old pitcher who stands at 6-foot-7 and has shown promise in the Dodgers’ minor league system. He posted a solid 3.71 ERA across three levels last season and had a strong start in Triple-A this year, striking out eight in just over four innings.
With this trade, the Dodgers are making a calculated gamble, banking on Ruiz’s potential to be a difference-maker on the basepaths. While he may not be a game-changer defensively or with the bat just yet, his elite speed alone makes him a player worth keeping an eye on. Only time will tell if this move pays off, but one thing’s for sure—Ruiz will bring excitement whenever he steps on the field.
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